Lizzano

This Tuscan town has a population of nearly 10,000 residents, making it a reasonably sized community where you’re likely to find everyday services and a local social fabric without the intensity of a major city. It’s the kind of place where you can establish routines and build familiarity over time.

One important practical consideration: there is no train station in Lizzano, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport if regular travel beyond the town is part of your retirement plans. This means either owning a car or relying on local buses and taxis for journeys further afield.

Healthcare access is something to plan for carefully. While the town has a population large enough to support medical services, there is no confirmed English-speaking GP available locally. You may need to travel to nearby larger towns for consultations in English, or consider how you’ll manage medical appointments in Italian. This is worth investigating thoroughly before relocating, particularly if healthcare support is important to your retirement decision.

Lizzano offers a genuine Italian small-town experience rather than an expat enclave, which appeals to those seeking authentic local life. However, it requires a practical, self-sufficient approach to daily logistics and healthcare.